Trade shows
give you an excellent opportunity to show off your business, products and
services in a more personal, interactive way. You need to have a dynamic,
effective trade show booth in order to draw a crowd at your next show though.
Here are some of the most effective, useful trade show elements to consider
adding to your inventory of trade show tricks before rolling out on your next
trip.
- If the tradeshow is outdoors, we highly recommend
you invest in a canopy tent. This won’t only keep you safe from the
elements, be they glaring sun or drizzling rain, but it will offer
potential customers a reprieve as well. When they stop under your canopy
for a break from the weather, you have the chance to greet them in a
friendly manner and explain the benefits that your products and services
can offer them. Be sure to buy a canopy that is weather resistant, and
customize it with your graphics and logos. These can also be used
effectively inside, as they help separate your area from the crowd and can
serve as a quiet spot in the chaos.
- Literature stands are useful at every tradeshow, and
help keep your printed materials and brochures neat and organized.
Paperweights look rather amateurish, so be sure to invest in one or
several literature stands before attending your next trade show.
- Banner stands are available in many different styles
to best accommodate indoor and outdoor trade shows separately. Many are
now retractable, which can make set up, tear down and transport
particularly easy. Be sure the banner stand display you invest in is
weighted, such as with a water-filled base, to help keep your display from
falling down or being blown over in the wind.
- Modular displays and pop up displays are graphically
pleasing, stylish, sophisticated, and easy to transport, making both
perfect for companies that want a modern look and travel often.
- Giveaways are ever popular, and can help your trade
show booth stand out from the hundreds of others that are nearby. If you
decide to giveaway items, make sure they are something that you would want
to receive, like a flash drive with your company logo on it, a company pen
or a pretty calendar, not a business card or a brochure.
- Raffles allow you to capitalize on the popularity of
giveaway items without spending as much money. Instead of ordering
hundreds of flash drives, order one slightly larger item and sell or give
away raffle tickets. People will remember your company after winning a
raffle.
- Dress in business casual so that you look
professional but still approachable. If you are dressed down too much,
people won’t take you seriously, but if you are in a suit and tie people
will avoid you. Find that comfortable medium with your dress, put on a
friendly face and you are sure to connect with potential customers.
- Make sure you have more supplies than you need. If
you anticipate giving away 200 pens, bring 400 just in case. There is
nothing worse than running out of literature or giveaway items early at a
tradeshow since you will actively lose out on future business.